James Gurney

This daily weblog by Dinotopia creator James Gurney is for illustrators, plein-air painters, sketchers, comic artists, animators, art students, and writers. You'll find practical studio tips, insights into the making of the Dinotopia books, and first-hand reports from art schools and museums.

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or by email:gurneyjourney (at) gmail.comSorry, I can't give personal art advice or portfolio reviews. If you can, it's best to ask art questions in the blog comments.

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All images and text are copyright 2015 James Gurney and/or their respective owners. Dinotopia is a registered trademark of James Gurney. For use of text or images in traditional print media or for any commercial licensing rights, please email me for permission.

However, you can quote images or text without asking permission on your educational or non-commercial blog, website, or Facebook page as long as you give me credit and provide a link back. Students and teachers can also quote images or text for their non-commercial school activity. It's also OK to do an artistic copy of my paintings as a study exercise without asking permission.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

I’ve been hearing this a lot: “Dear James, I placed an order forColor and Lighta month ago from an online seller. They told me they tried to procure it from other sources, including distributors and bookstores. Unfortunately, they were unable to do so and have cancelled my order."

If you are having a hard time getting a copy of Color and Light or Imaginative Realism, here’s why. The demand for both books has been so overwhelming that the supply ran out at the warehouse before the publisher expected.

Never fear: a few days ago, reprints of both books were loaded onto a ship in Hong Kong and they’re now in transit.

Unfortunately it’s the proverbial Slow Boat from China. The publisher told me yesterday that the shipment is expected to arrive at the U.S. distribution warehouse on April 4 (assuming the ship doesn’t get held up by art pirates). So those books won’t make it into your hands for at least a month. If you’re the patient type, don't worry, hang in there.
Alternately, at our little mail order store at The Dinotopia Store we have a good supply of both books, enough to hold out through this month, I hope. If your big online retailer hasn’t already shipped, U.S. customers can cancel their order and get the book directly from us instead. For the month of March, I’ll reward your patience by signing each book and doing an original rainbow sketch in each copy. Limit one of each book per customer, please.

Sorry, I can’t ship overseas due to all the hassles with high shipping costs, currency conversions, customs forms, and losses. If you are an international customer, may I suggest that you have an American Facebook friend place the order for you in the USA, and then you can arrange to have them send the book to you. People have done that before and they get a book and a friend.
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PreviouslyMeanwhile, At the PrinterPainted Rainbows VideoBook Trailer ContestSpecial Delivery Video (showing how we do our orders)

I ordered my copies from Amazon, and as we know now they don't have any. I cancelled that order a couple of weeks ago and luckily I turned right around and found both books via other Amazon sellers. Both in hand as we speak and are being devoured! James, I am an aviation artist and our goals are the same - to create scenes the elements of which which don't necessarily exist before our eyes. Your books complement each other and are of immeasureable value for representational artists, no matter what one is trying to 'represent' on canvas ... I have been spreading the word! Those who are caught waiting for your books, relax. Your wait will be richly rewarded!

...I have "Color and Light" on request for an inter-library loan at my college. I hope they'll be able to find one soon, but it might take a while.

Once I get some extra money I will likely purchase a copy, however! I loved your last book "Imaginative Realism" when I finally got to read it. Funny thing: it was another inter-library loan request at my local library and they ended buying TWO copies!

I have both of your books---and they are as fantastic (as everyone told me they would be)...just wanted to drop by and say WOW! I think they are far and away the most comprehensive books on color and light on the market today. Thanks so much for working so hard on them (and this blog), your dedication to sharing what you've learned certainly benefits all of us! :)

I just finished your book Color and Light- FANTASTIC! I got a lot out of it and have been recommending it to friends. I was one of those people who tried to get your other book but couldn't. Coincidentally, I also ordered an Easel that I'm told is coming from China... and won't arrive until April 4. Perhaps my Easel and your book are on the same boat?

I am canceling my order from amazon and ordering from you now! This is too good to pass up! I am very excited to finally get the chance to read this! I just got Imaginative Realism and am working on reading it.